The B.C. government is helping fund repairs to the Cowichan Valley Trail, which closed more than a year ago between Agira and Sherman roads due to flooding.
The Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) says while the stretch of the trail remains closed, new funding through B.C.’s Provincial Disaster Financial Assistance Program will cover 90 per cent of restoration project costs estimated at $900,000.
“This is wonderful news, as we’ve been unable to complete the necessary work to restore this well-used section of Cowichan Valley Trail without adding considerable cost to residents of the region,” said district chair Aaron Stone in a release Tuesday.
“On behalf of the Cowichan region, I want to extend our thanks to the Province for prioritizing this project and providing funding to cover nearly the entire cost.”
It was in November 2021 when an atmospheric river brought extensive storms to the area, damaging critical infrastructure along the mostly gravel trail, the district says.
FROM NOV. 2022: Sunny skies on one year anniversary of atmospheric river that caused catastrophic damage
“We know that when there’s a natural disaster, it’s important that communities have the support they need to rebuild,” said Emergency Management Minister Bowinn Ma.
“The beloved Cowichan Valley Trail brings family and friends together by promoting healthy lifestyles, and I’m excited for its eventual reopening.”
The district says it hopes to issue a contract for the repair work “in the near future,” adding the stretch of trail will remain closed until the project is complete.
Information on the CVRD’s website says the Cowichan Valley section of the multi-use trail runs from the top of the Malahat, north to Shawnigan Lake and the Kinsol Trestle, west to the Town of Lake Cowichan then north toward Nanaimo.
A photo sent to CHEK News shows the extensive damage:
Photo: CVRD
Ethan Morneau
